Just when you think the well has run dry and all the great power pop records from the past have been uncovered and pressed on compact disc, along comes True Hearts, a band from Houston, Texas.

Founded in 1979 and initially called the Flirts, the group cut an EP on the Counterfeit label in 1980, trailed by several tracks that never made it to the vinyl stage. Containing every single shred of music the band ever slapped on tape, True Hearts (Kool Kat Musik) makes for an incredibly enlightening experience.

Buttered to the bone with slashing chords and bruising drum beats, numbers such as “Not Tonight,” “Trust Me Candy,” “Sleep Tight” and “Hold Me Close/Don’t Stop” offer an agreeable union of hard rocking thrust and radio-ready pop panache. Herds of husky hooks are spooled out in abundance, while the vocals are bold and polished.

The piano-dappled “A Girl In A Men’s Magazine” takes a look at the subtler side of True Hearts, and the jaunty “I’m Late” raises a toast to the sweet and friendly sounds of Emitt Rhodes.

Glimpses of the Who and Cheap Trick also flutter about in the melody-marbled music of True Hearts. But the material is original, and the approach is fresh and modern. True Hearts lived in the present, and it’s a downright pity they weren’t exposed to a wider audience when in existence.

‘True Hearts,’ featuring Terry Carolan, is available for purchase via Kool Kat Musik at this link.

Beverly Paterson was born the day Ben E. King hit No. 4 with "Stand By Me" -- which is actually one of her favorite songs, especially John Lennon's version. She's contributed to Lance Monthly and Amplifier, and served as Rock Beat International's associate editor. Paterson has also published Inside Out, and Twist & Shake. Contact Something Else! at reviews@somethingelsereviews.com.